NiDCOM Hosts First Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), chaired by Abike Dabiri-Erewa since 2018, organized the inaugural Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC 2026) in Toronto, Ontario, over three days. The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria; Thrive Abroad,” aimed to reshape the economic engagement of the Nigerian diaspora.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, highlighted the importance of moving beyond remittances to more substantial investments, citing Nigeria's GDP growth of 3.89% in Q1 2026, inflation at 15.91%, and foreign reserves of $45.4 billion. Priority sectors identified included agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, and export manufacturing.

The conference encouraged the diaspora to form investment clubs and co-investment platforms with proper governance. Governors Charles Soludo of Anambra and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara attended, along with several federal ministers and Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

The conference concluded with a call for accountability mechanisms to ensure that discussions lead to tangible investment commitments.